High school football preview: Breaking down Union County teams
Today, The Observer continues its comprehensive high school football previews for all of the N.C. counties it covers — Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union. The previews will include breakdowns for all teams, conference predictions and a preseason all-county team.
Later this month, The Observer will offer a game-of-the-week, most weeks, in each of these counties, thanks to a new partnership with Deer Park water.
In December, all-star teams in each county in addition to the annual All-Observer team will be released.
Coverage continues today with Union County public schools.
School previews
CUTHBERTSON
Head Coach: Duke Howell (1st year).
2022 Record: 3-7 (1-4 in the Southern Carolina Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolina Conference 4A.
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Evan Taylor, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 185); Logan Vail, Sr., WR (5-8, 160); Rocco Fazzolari, Sr. DL (6-3, 221); Jack Simpson, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); Carlton Kimani, Sr., SS (6-0, 185); Cole Webster, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 240); Hayden Tully, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 236); Ryder Kilgannon, Jr., LB (6-2, 200); Cohen Kilgannon, Jr., (6-2, 190).
Other Key Returnees: Kaden Mattera, Jr., C (5-11, 245); Carson Tate, Sr., OL (6-2, 235).
Key Newcomers: Maalik Lamar, Jr., RB (5-7, 185); Lucas Patel, Sr., FS (6-2, 185).
Outlook: Cuthbertson has struggled in recent years going 19-33 in the past five years without a winning season in that same span. The Cavaliers’ defense will be their strength with seniors Rocco Fazzolari (60 tackles, six sacks), Carlton Kimani (91 tackles), Jack Simpson (91 tackles) and junior twin brothers Cohen (54 tackles) and Ryder Kilgannon (47 tackles) giving the unit experience. The Cuthbertson offense will have to reload in some spots, but has senior receivers Evan Taylor (38 catches for 528 yards and seven touchdowns) and Logan Vail (14 catches, 2022 yards, four touchdowns) plus junior offensive lineman Hayden Tully and Cole Webster returning.
Interesting note: Howell is the father of former Sun Valley star and current Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell.
FOREST HILLS
Head Coach: Jammie Deese (3rd year).
2022 Record: 9-2 (3-1 in the Rocky River Conference).
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 16
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Caiden Smith, Sr., LB/RB (6-1, 205); Ross Smith, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 183); Christyan Washington, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 155); Jaquavion Smith, Sr., LB/WR (6-1, 220); Brady Hibbard, Sr., QB (6-3, 200); Gael Morton, So., K (5-9, 180); Braxton Grace, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 290); Je’rel Bolder, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 190); Dakota Potter, Sr., LS/WR/DB (6-1, 175); Jordan Bennett, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Kemarion Massey, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Jamar Little, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 210); Ahmir Stafford, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 150); Josh Rivera, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 155); Jiarus Scott, Sr., DE (6-1, 240); Rodney Smith, Jr., RB/LB (5-11, 200).
Other Key Returnees: Brayden Smith, So., WR/DB (5-11, 175); Willie Jones, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 340); Jalik Byrd, Sr., OL/DL (6-7, 285); Sam Mullis, Jr., K/P (6-1, 170).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Forest Hills returns 16 starters from a team that posted its second straight winning season (9-2) since the 2011 and 2012 campaigns. The Yellow Jackets are loaded with experience with senior quarterback Brady Hibbard (1,818 yards passing, 25 touchdowns), who has multiple weapons on the outside in receivers like senior Ross Smith (43 catches for 660 yards, 11 touchdowns), and juniors Je’rel Bolder (32 catches for 685 yards and nine touchdowns) and Kemarion Massey (29 catches, five touchdowns). Meanwhile, junior running back Rodney Smith (508 yards, seven touchdowns) should have plenty of room to run behind senior Jamar Little and junior Braxton Grace on an experienced offensive line. The Forest Hills defense, which allowed 12.6 points per game last season, should also be stout with senior linebackers Caiden Smith (107 tackles) and Jaquavion Smith (54 tackles, five forced fumbles) leading the unit. The Yellow Jackets also have experience in the secondary, where seniors Ahmir Stafford and Christyan Washington (five interceptions) return.
Interesting Note: Potter, Forest Hills’ senior long snapper is one of the best at his position in the state, earning second-team, all-state honors as a junior.
MARVIN RIDGE
Head Coach: Aubrey Carter (9th year).
2022 Record: 5-6 (3-2 in the Southern Carolina Conference.
Conference: Southern Carolina Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 28
Key Returning Starters: Kai Greer, Sr., OL (6-6, 290); Evan Medders, Sr., QB (6-0, 200); Cole Searight, Sr., S/WR (6-0, 190); Mark Arthur, Sr., S/WR (6-0, 185); Jackson Gibbs, Sr., CB/WR (6-1, 180); Nate Rawls, Sr., LB (5-10, 215); David Starr, Jr., OL (5-10, 230); Finlay Mitchell, Sr., OLB/DL (5-11, 215); Charles Lipscomb, Sr., DL (5-10, 225); Jeremy Liszewski, Sr., RB (5-9, 165); Jake Schumacher, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 165).
Other Key Returnees: Dawson Jones, Sr., K (6-0, 180); Jaxon Clegg, Jr., TE/LB (6-0, 220); Tanteh Yongho, Sr., DL (6-0, 275); E.J. Emmanuel, Jr., DL (5-8, 265); Owen Stroube, Jr., CB (6-2, 175); J.T. Etheridge, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 225); P.J. Belabe, Jr., DL (6-1, 220).
Key Newcomers: Manny Lewis, So., OLB/DE (6-1, 225); Zach Lee, Jr., LB/RB (5-10, 195); Luke Wakefield, Jr., RB (5-9, 185).
Outlook: The Mavericks have been up and down, going 29-23 in the past five years. This year, Marvin Ridge has the experience to be much improved with 14 starters returning eager to battle for the Southern Carolina Conference title. The Mavericks’ offense will be led by four-year starter Evan Medders, a senior quarterback and Air Force Academy commit. Medders threw for 1,156 yards, 10 touchdowns last year, to go with 404 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Medders will have weapons like senior receivers Mark Arthur (335 yards receiving, three touchdowns), Jackson Gibbs (383 yards receiving, five touchdowns), Cole Searight (379 yards, two touchdowns) and running back Jeremy Liszewski (465 yards rushing, five touchdowns). Senior tackle Kai Greer, a Stanford commit, also returns. The Mavericks’ defense returns seven starters with Arthur, Gibbs, Jake Schumaker, Searight in the secondary, and seniors Finlay Mitchell (56 tackles) and Nate Rawls (81 tackles) at linebacker.
Interesting Note: The Mavericks’ special teams could make a big impact again with senior kicker Dawson Jones committed to play at Army (West Point).
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (14th year).
2022 Record: 4-6 (2-2 in the NCISAA Western Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division I.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 29
Key Returning Starters: Peyton Reeder, Sr., OL (6-6, 300); Coleman Strange, Sr., S (6-4, 190); Jake Dooley, Sr., LB (5-11, 190); DeAngelo Walker, Jr., CB (5-10, 155); Dylan Hoyle, Sr., DL (5-11, 185); J.D. Williams, Jr., ATH (5-11, 185); Baylor Halstead, Sr., LB (5-11, 195)
Other Key Returnees: Matthew Gaskins, Sr., RB (5-9, 190); Preston Broadway, So., DL (6-3, 240); Ben Gibbs, Jr., OL (6-1, 240); Danny Titherington, Jr., QB (5-11, 155).
Key Newcomers: Cooper Kiehl, Jr., QB (6-0, 165); Carson Grue, Sr., CB (5-9, 150); Jackson Pierce, So., OLB (5-11, 175).
Outlook: After winning 10 games in 2021, the Warriors slipped to 4-6 overall in 2022. This season, Metrolina Christian should be improved with 12 starters returning. The Warriors’ defense will be their strength with all conference senior linebacker Jake Dooley (78 tackles), senior defensive lineman Dylan Hoyle (51 tackles, seven sacks), senior safety Coleman Strange (63 tackles) all back to lead the unit. The Metrolina Christian offense will have to reload at most positions but will look to get the ball in the hands of junior J.D. Williams (777 all-purpose yards) with East Carolina commit Peyton Reeder, an offensive lineman, also back.
Interesting Note: Reeder, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound senior tackle, was an all-state pick as a junior when he had 75 pancake blocks.
MONROE
Head Coach: Johnny Sowell (18th year).
2022 Record: 12-2 (4-0 in the Rocky River Conference)
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A Conference
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Nate Crosby, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Jordan Young, Jr., DB/WR (6-0, 185); Peyton McGhee, Sr., C/DT (6-1, 300); Rydasion Richardson, Jr., OL/DE (6-2, 190); Brajon Allen, Sr., LB/RB/CB (5-10, 160); Isaiah Kennedy, Sr., CB/RB (5-9, 170); Zion Lindsey, Jr., RB/LB (5-9, 175); Ashton Stevens, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 250); Yoel Deleon, Jr., DL (5-10, 180); Jesus Jarquin, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 210); Zach Melton, Sr., WR/PR/KR (5-7, 160); Jayden Olden, Sr., LB (6-0, 195).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Kaegan Chambers, Jr., QB/ATH (6-0, 175); Ridge Woods, Sr., LB (5-10, 190).
Outlook: Coach Johnny Sowell has established an expectation of winning, consistently averaging more than nine wins per season in his 17-year tenure at Monroe. This season, with 12 starters back, the Redhawks should be strong again led by senior running backs Nate Crosby (1,451 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns) and Zion Lindsey (489 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns) as well as wide receivers Jordan Young (52 catches for 1,010 yards and 12 touchdowns) and Zach Melton (seven receiving touchdowns). Monroe averaged 45 points per game last season. Expect similar production in ‘23. Monroe’s offensive line is strong upfront with seniors Jesus Jarquin, Peyton McGhee, Ashton Stevens and junior Rydasion Richardson, all returning. The Redhawks’ defense, which allowed 11.5 points per game last season, should also be stout with Young (eight interceptions last year) and Isaiah Kennedy leading a veteran secondary, while Brajon Allen, Yoel Deleon, Lindsey, Jayden Olden and Richardson give the team experience in the front seven.
Interesting Note: Sowell is 160-75 in his 17 years as the Redhawks’ head football coach.
PARKWOOD
Head Coach: Samuel Mobley (1st year).
2022 Record: 5-6 (2-2 in the Rocky River 2A/3A Conference).
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Declan Sullins, Sr., LB/DE (6-0, 195); Quinn Washington, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); Elijah Lowery, Sr., QB (6-1, 175); Gavin Hamblin, Sr., S (6-2, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Jeffery Oppong, Sr., RB (5-11, 185); Jadon Barnes, Sr., LB/TE (5-11, 200); Emmanuel Redfern, Sr., LT (6-2, 255).
Key Newcomers: Markayden Truesdale, Fr., WR/DB (5-8, 155); Greylan Martin, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 160).
Outlook: Former Parkwood assistant Samuel Mobley takes over a team with seven starters back from 5-6 squad. The Wolfpack has some pieces to build around with seniors like quarterback Elijah Lowery (1,142 yards passing, 15 touchdowns), receiver Quinn Washington (32 catches for 431 yards) and left tackle Emmanuel Redfern. The Parkwood defense will look to seniors like defensive end Declan Sullins (105 tackles, four sacks) and safety Gavin Hamblin (56 tackles) to help Parkwood stay in the middle of the Rocky River conference race and in the playoff picture.
Interesting Note: Mobley played wide receiver for the Wolfpack from 2011-13. He played collegiately at Catawba and professionally for the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) and for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL.
PIEDMONT
Head Coach: Aaron Braswell (3rd year).
2022 Record: 0-10 (0-5 in the Southern Carolina Conference).
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A Conference/3A.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Garrett Ollis, Sr., QB (6-3, 220); Luke McKee, Sr., LB (6-1, 190); Chas Turner, Sr., Slot/S (5-8, 155); Mason Grimland, Sr., DB/WR (6-0, 165); Nathaniel Gagnon, Jr., RB (5-10, 175); Beau Gerrard, Jr., Center (6-3, 225); Wyatt Parker, Jr., OG (6-4, 300); Javion Davis, Jr., OT/DE (6-2, 260); Daniel Goodman, Jr., Slot/DB (5-10, 155); Antonio Sanchez, So., OG (6-2, 275).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Cam O’Neil, So., RB/DB (5-9, 175); Nathan Dowdy, Fr., Slot/DB (5-11, 175); Davis Weycker, Fr., LB (6-1, 185).
Outlook: Piedmont has struggled losing 16 straight games dating back to a Sept. 10, 2021 win at Fort Mill (34-28). But the Panthers have new life in the Rocky River conference with 10 starters returning. The offense will have to put more points on the board with senior quarterback Garrett Ollis (982 yards passing), junior running back Nathaniel Gagnon (395 yards rushing) running behind an offensive line with four starters back, including Javion Davis, Beau Gerrard, Wyatt Parker and Antonio Sanchez. The Piedmont defense will look to senior linebacker Luke McKee, defensive end Davis and senior defensive back Mason Grimland to lead the unit. Piedmont needs to get back in the win column and will have a chance to do so in a new class (3A) and league (Rocky River conference).
Interesting Note: The Piedmont football program will have a new look with new uniforms, a new turf field, updated locker rooms and a full coaching staff.
PORTER RIDGE
Head Coach: Michael Hertz (8th year).
2022 Record: 7-4 (4-1 in the Southern Carolina Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolina Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Harrison Johnson, Sr., LB (6-2, 215); Danny Kennedy, Sr., RB (5-8, 170); Jatavien Taylor, Sr., RB (6-3, 195); Samaad Peoples, Sr., RB (5-11, 205); Jared Johnson-Lockhart, Jr., QB (6-4, 195); Kisiah Harris, Jr., DB/RB (5-11, 175); Sawyer Ducey, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 195); Dezhan Clark, Sr., DT (6-0, 250).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Rami Sahir, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175); Kryshwn Gaddy, Sr., DE (6-5, 240).
Outlook: Porter Ridge returns 12 starters from a team that went 7-4 and finished second in the Southern Carolina Conference. This season, the Pirates will look to junior quarterback Jared Johnson-Lockhart (646 yards passing, eight touchdowns) to lead the way with the help of a strong rushing attack with seniors Danny Kennedy (637 yards rushing, six touchdowns) and Samaad People (500 yards rushing, four touchdowns), getting the ball. The Porter Ridge defense will be tested against SCC offenses, but can lean on senior linebackers Harrison Johnson (97 tackles, three interceptions) and Jatavien Taylor (57 tackles, three interceptions) plus an experienced secondary led by juniors Sawyer Ducey (43 tackles) and Kisiah Harris (six interceptions) to lead the unit. Porter Ridge has averaged seven wins per season over the past seven years and expect to have another winning season in 2023.
Interesting Note: The Pirates have enjoyed winning records in each of coach Michael Hertz’ seven years at the helm, going 51-31 in that span.
SUN VALLEY
Head Coach: Ryan Smith (2nd year).
2022 Record: 3-7 (2-3 in the Southern Carolina Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolina Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense; 9 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 27
Key Returning Starters: Brady Turriff, Sr., QB (6-2, 210); Braylon Martin, Sr., DB/WR (6-0, 185); Brandon Creech, So., LB (6-0, 205); Zach Cullen, So., LB/RB (5-11, 185); Baron Thomas, Sr., DE/OLB (6-3, 200); Brock Girgenti, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 230); Will Calhoun, Sr., WR (6-3, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Tyler Key, Sr., OL (6-1, 230); Andrew Dowdy, So., WR/LB (6-2, 180); Alexander Flowers, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 210).
Key Newcomers: Cayden Brown, Jr., RB (5-9, 175); Jacob Reynolds, So., OL/DL (5-11, 225); Demarion Hough, So., WR/DB (6-1, 175).
Outlook: Sun Valley has struggled in the past four years, going 7-30 in that span. But coach Ryan Smith returns 15 starters this season, giving the Spartans reasons to think that they can be much improved. The Sun Valley offense will go through senior quarterback Brady Turriff (1,738 yards passing, 18 touchdowns), who will look to get the ball to senior receivers Will Calhoun and Braylon Martin as well as sophomore running back Zach Cullen. The Spartans’ defense will be a big key to keeping them in games. Sophomore linebackers Brandon Creech (106 tackles, four sacks) and Cullen (71 tackles) will have prime roles along with senior defensive linemen Baron Thomas (seven sacks), Brock Girgenti (52 tackles, four sacks) and Martin (four interceptions) in the secondary. Sun Valley hasn’t had a winning record since current Washington Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell, was in high school there.
Interesting Note: Sun Valley coach Ryan Smith played quarterback for the Spartans from 2009-11, passing for 6,624 yards and 76 touchdowns.
UNION ACADEMY
Head Coach: Justin Frashier (8th year).
2022 Record: 2-9 (1-5 in the Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference/1A.
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: C.J. Hartley, Jr., WR (6-2, 160); Joey Shearin, Jr., DE/WR (6-3, 195); Heath Lunsford, Jr., DB/WR (6-3, 170); Nicholas Henry, Sr., DB/WR/QB (6-1, 170); J.T. Hemphill, Jr., DB (5-7, 150); Elijah Williams, Jr., LB/FB (5-8, 170); Cooper Martin, So. Center (6-0, 215).
Other Key Returnees: Stephen Gonzales, So., K (5-9, 145): John Leon, So., LB/RB (5-9, 195); Mason Evans, Sr., DB/WR (5-9, 150).
Key Newcomers: Parker St. Clair, Sr., QB (6-0, 170) (Piedmont transfer).
Outlook: After winning just one game in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, a 2-9 record last year was a step in the right direction. With 12 starters back in the lineup, the Cardinals have the experience to keep moving up the Yadkin Valley conference standings. The offense will feature senior quarterback Parker St. Clair (Piedmont transfer) to get the ball to receivers C.J. Hartley and Joey Shearin with center Cooper Martin paving the way. The Union Academy defense also has multiple playmakers returning, including juniors Shearin (defensive end, five sacks) and Elijah Williams (linebacker, 60 tackles) to lead the front seven. Meanwhile, senior Nicholas Henry and juniors, J.T. Hemphill (45 tackles) and Heath Lunsford (38 tackles) will lead the secondary.
WEDDINGTON
Head Coach: Andy Capone (6th year).
2022 Record: 13-2 (6-0 in the Southern Carolina Conference)
Conference: Southern Carolina Conference 4A.
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 34
Key Returning Starters: Sam Neely, Sr., CB (6-1, 180); Tyler Budge, Sr., QB (6-3, 205); Nick Diamond, Jr., RB (5-9, 190); Logan Potes, Sr., OL (6-2, 270); Ian McDermaid, Sr., WR/S (6-1, 185); Braeden Barger, Jr., LB (6-0, 190); T.J. Davis, So., LB (6-2, 200); Drew Harris, So., DE/LB (6-2, 210); Aiden Harris, So., DL (6-3, 250); Jimmy Randazzo, Jr., OL (6-3, 300).
Other Key Returnees: Brady Ritter, Sr., RB (5-8, 176); Brooks Mauk, Sr., TE (6-3, 220); Matthew Massaro, Sr., DE/LB (5-11, 200); Quaid Luginbill, Sr., LS (6-2, 205).
Key Newcomers: Keenan Jackson, Sr., WR (6-3, 185).
Outlook: Weddington has established itself as one of the elite teams in the state, going 63-6 in the past five years under Capone. The Warriors are loaded with experience once again with 14 starters returning. The Weddington offense, which averaged 36 points per game last year, will be centered around senior quarterback Tyler Budge (3,219 yards passing, 34 touchdowns) with running backs Nick Diamond (573 yards rushing, nine touchdowns) and Brady Ritter (484 yards rushing) carrying the rushing attack behind an offensive line that returns four starters, headlined by senior Logan Potes. The Weddington offense with also benefit from the speed of senior wide receiver and Cuthbertson transfer Keenan Jackson (North Carolina commit, 50 catches for 782 yards and seven touchdowns). The Warriors’ defense also returns seven starters with the secondary being the strength of the unit. It will feature seniors Sam Neely (Wake Forest commit, 53 tackles, three interceptions) and Ian McDermaid (52 tackles). Sophomore linebackers Aiden and Drew Harris will also be key playmakers after breakout freshman seasons. Weddington expects to be playing for championships (conference/state) and no one will surprised if the Warriors are contenders in November and December again this season.
Interesting Note: Weddington has not lost a conference game since a 2018 defeat to Charlotte Catholic.
Conference predictions
NCISAA Western Conference
Rabun Gap Nacoochee; 2. Christ School; 3. Cannon School; 4. Metrolina Christian.
Rocky River 2A/3A Conference
Monroe; 2. Forest Hills; 3. Parkwood; 4 Piedmont; 5. Anson County; 6. West Stanly.
Southern Carolina Conference/4A
Weddington; 2. Marvin Ridge; 3. Porter Ridge; 4. Cuthbertson; 5. Sun Valley.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Mount Pleasant; 2. North Stanly; 3. Union Academy; 4. Albemarle; 5. South Stanly.
Preseason all-county team
2023 Union County Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Budge, Weddington, 6-3, 205, Sr., QB.
2023 Union County Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jordan Young, Monroe, 6-0, 185, Jr., DB.
Offense
QB: Tyler Budge, Weddington, 6-3, 205, Sr.
RB: Nate Crosby, Monroe, 5-10, 190, Sr.
RB: Nick Diamond, Weddington, 5-9, 190, Jr.
RB: Danny Kennedy, Porter Ridge, 5-8, 170, Sr.
WR: Je’rel Bolder, Forest Hills, 6-0, 190, Jr.
WR: Keenan Jackson, Weddington, 6-3, 185, Sr.
WR: Evan Taylor, Cuthbertson, 6-2, 185, Sr.
OL: Kai Greer, Marvin Ridge, 6-6, 290, Sr.
OL: Wyatt Parker, Piedmont, 6-4, 300, Jr.
OL: Logan Potes, Weddington, 6-2, 270, Sr.
OL: Peyton Reeder, Metrolina Christian, 6-6, 300, Sr.
OL: Ashton Stevens, Monroe, 6-1, 250, Sr.
ATH: Evan Medders, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Defense
DL: Rocco Fazzolari, Cuthbertson, 6-3, 221, Sr.
DL: Aiden Harris, Weddington, 6-3, 250, So.
DL: Dylan Hoyle, Metrolina Christian, 5-11, 185, Sr.
DL: Declan Sullins, Parkwood, 6-0, 200, Sr.
DL: Yoel Deleon, Monroe, 5-10, 180, Jr.
LB: Brandon Creech, Sun Valley, 6-0, 205, So.
LB: Harrison Johnson, Porter Ridge, 6-2, 215, Sr.
LB: Nate Rawls, Marvin Ridge, 5-10, 215, Sr.
LB: Caiden Smith, Forest Hills, 6-1, 205, Sr.
DB: Jackson Gibbs, Marvin Ridge, 6-1, 180, Sr.
DB: Kisiah Harris, Porter Ridge, 5-11, 175, Sr.
DB: Sam Neely, Weddington, 6-1, 180, Sr.
DB: Jordan Young, Monroe, 6-0, 185, Jr.
ATH: Cole Searight, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Specialists
K/P: Dawson Jones, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, 180, Sr.
SPEC: Chrystian Washington, Forest Hills, 5-10, 155, Sr.
LS: Dakota Potter, Forest Hills, 6-1, 175, Sr.
